Paths to Excellence: The Dell Medical School and Medical Education in Texas

The Dell Medical School in Austin was created in 2012 by the UT System Board of Regents after a century of separation between medical schools and academic campuses in Texas. This book details how the local community tax itself to fund the school, offering a working model for other leaders to follow.

Format: Hardback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2021
Publisher: University of Texas Press

For over a century, medical schools and academic campuses in Texas operated largely as separate entities. While innovative medical technologies and drugs, potentially even a vaccine capable of preventing a pandemic, could be developed on an academic campus like the University of Texas at Austin, there was no co-located medical school with which to collaborate. Consequently, faculty members were left to seek expertise from distant campuses. However, that landscape underwent a significant transformation on May 3, 2012, when the UT System Board of Regents voted to establish the Dell Medical School in Austin.

This book delves into the intricate details and presents the first-ever account of how this transformative change came to fruition. It explores the collaborative efforts of dedicated administrators, alumni, business leaders, community organizers, doctors, legislators, professors, and researchers who united their forces, overcame considerable resistance, and raised the funds necessary to build a new medical school without any direct state monies. A crucial aspect of securing funding was the unique willingness of the local community to tax itself to support the financial operations of the school. Kenneth I. Shine and Amy Shaw Thomas, who served as past and present vice chancellors for health affairs in the University of Texas System, offer a practical model that can guide other leaders in effectively seeking solutions, avoiding potential pitfalls, and planning for the future.

The establishment of the Dell Medical School in Austin marked a pivotal moment in the history of medical education and healthcare in Texas. It not only brought medical expertise and resources closer to the academic community but also facilitated collaboration and innovation in medical research and patient care. The success of this endeavor is a testament to the power of teamwork, vision, and community engagement. By leveraging the unique strengths of each stakeholder, the Dell Medical School has become a model for other universities and communities seeking to establish or enhance their medical education programs.

The book provides valuable insights into the planning, fundraising, and operational aspects of building a medical school. It sheds light on the challenges and opportunities encountered during the process, as well as the strategies employed to overcome them. The authors draw from their extensive experience and expertise to offer practical advice and guidance to leaders who are embarking on similar endeavors. They emphasize the importance of building strong partnerships, engaging with the community, and ensuring sustainable financial support for medical education.

Furthermore, the book explores the broader health and economic benefits of establishing a medical school in a community. It highlights the potential impact on the local healthcare system, job creation, and economic growth. By providing access to quality medical education and training, the Dell Medical School has the potential to improve the health outcomes of residents and the overall well-being of the community. It also contributes to the development of a skilled workforce that can meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals in the region.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful account of the creation of the Dell Medical School in Austin. It provides valuable insights into the collaborative efforts, challenges, and successes that shaped this transformative initiative. By sharing the experiences and lessons learned from this project, the authors aim to inspire and empower other leaders to pursue similar endeavors in medical education and healthcare. The Dell Medical School's story serves as a testament to the power of teamwork, innovation, and community engagement in building a better future for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781477324684